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I've been reading with interest about the History of Motorcycling in Canada and noticed that the Manitoba Motorcycle Club is recorded as the oldest motorcycle club in Canada. Not to take away this honour and to make a point known, the Victoria Motorcycle Club (VMC) has it's roots back to 1906 when it was combined with a car club. I believe this car club eventually became known as the B.C. Automobile Association. The motorcycles separated from the car club in 1912 and became known as the Victoria Motorcycle Club, as we are today.

At present we have over 350 members and own 172 acres of land within the municipality of Metchosin, a half hour from Victoria. We still organize observed trials, enduros, road rides and special events but, unfortunately scrambles (MX) has faded into history due to land use issues here on lower Vancouver Island.

Our club was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2010 and presently we have a nomination for induction into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame. We also have a nomination into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame to have the Shanks family (Richard [Pop}, Reg and Bob inducted posthumously as they were all involved with motorcycling and the VMC in the early days. The Shanks family owned Brooklands Motorcycle Sales which Pop started in 1913. I believe it was the longest running Harley Davidson Shop under a the same management in Canada, second only to Dealey.

I hope this provides a small bit of info about our club and I look forward to reading the rest of the History of Motorcycling in Canada.

Sincerely

Roger Boothroyd, Life Member Victoria Motorcycle Club.

Betty's Reply:

The Canadian Hall of Fame and their researchers have determined that The Manitoba Motorcycle Club Is the oldest in Canada. That is not a designation that I gave them. I actually did write about the Victoria club as well. I’m glad you enjoyed the article so far. - bdbetty

Good reminders. Today the motorcycles were out and about in great heaps. It was sunny and warm in Nanaimo and it was like half the riders took the day off to ride.

I was always a little worried about how much room to give a motorcycle. Then I decided to act like there was a bus who needed to be in front of me. It maybe a tad more room than is necessary, but I figured if the person behind me hit me and shoved me forward that person on a bike didn't have a trunk to protect them, so I gave them an imaginary one. Take care, Elizabeth

Good story to provide some balance to the issue, but it leaves me a little confused. Are there two "versions" of IO? One for LEO and the like, and another for anyone who wants to join and makes the grade? Because these members you met don't seem to warrant the kind of heat they take online. - Wheezy